GEORGE SPELLWIN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Enlightening Men about Anabolic Steroids and Bodybuilding for over Two Decades
| Author | Topic: Recovering from torn ACL | ||
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Novice 
Posts: 7 |
Hey everybody! So, I tore my ACL last summer and have done the whole rehab bit. I'm walking fine, but my legs have gone to shit. I want to get back to squatting (not living in abandoned buildings) but I'm concerned. The docs didn't give me too much advice. Thoughts? ------------------     | ||
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Pro Bodybuilder 
Posts: 542 |
Hey man...always remember that it is more important to be able to walk normally than to have big legs. Well, that is the advice that I would give myself if I would listen, but I won't listen to that line either. I have always had bad knees and it has hurt to squat for about 2 years now. This is what I now do. Leg Exts Squats Stiff Leggs I like going heavy, I feel that it easier on my knees. I do several sets of singles, so nothing gets fatigued till I finish my last set. This is what I have been doing for about 8 months now and have great luck. Don't get me wrong...I did not start at this weight...I worked up to it. My legs were suffering before I got back into the swing of things. Remember...it is better to be squatting very very light than not at all, so be careful. B True | ||
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Amateur Bodybuilder 
Posts: 50 |
I am just recovering from a MCL/ACL and meniscus injury as well. While My ACL damage was minimal, I am still not too comfortable doing squats. I do light weights but really spend much more time on the leg press and extensions than squating. I may not get the gains I could by squating more but I gotta go with my comfort level for right now. I've had 3 surgeries on the same knee over the years and tend to be very protective of my knee. My knee tends to crack a lot and loudly when I squat-so much so that people look at me. On the leg press this is not as bad. Remember, lots of ice afterwards. Good Luck | ||
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Amateur Bodybuilder
Posts: 99 |
I have arthritis in both knees. I also, had no ACL ligament in my left knee do due injury. Last year, I had a total knee replacement at 38 years old. It took me five month of physical therapy before I could go to the gym. My ortho surgeon, said no squats or leg presses, or leg extension. My general physician was slightly less cautious. He said to build them up. I didn't dare to squat until about 4 months ago, given my condition. I started out on the Smith Machine, now I do them free standing, always with a spotter, very carefully. I'm up to 335, for 6 reps. Not too bad, for a fake knee. If you do decide to try squats, start with light weights, and use good form, try to use a spotter. For myself, I can't do full buckets because I don't have full range of motion in my knees. I go down as far as possible, (slightly lower than parellel) and burst back up. Of course, be sure to take a wide stance, either shoulder or slightly wider than shoulder width, and this will take the pressure off of your knees. Try to bring your ass down, and don't hunch forward. Knees should not extend further than your toes. Good luck! | ||
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Novice
Posts: 7 |
That's not a bad scheme, b. No doubt the ice is necessary, Gutsy. Followed by smooth malt liquor. I appreciate all the helpful hints. I guess the consensus is to take it slow and monitor the knee? Sounds good to me. Have a nice day. ------------------ | ||
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Cool Novice 
Posts: 19 |
I also have very bad knees. Torn cartilage in both of them. The ONLY thing that worked for me was karate. I'm not saying take karate but the stance really strenghtened my ligaments. NO pain. It's hard to describe to someone who hasn't seen it before but basically you put all of your weight on one leg making sure that that one leg is bent and that the knee isn't sticking over past your toes. Try to hold it for a minute(if you can). Then alternate. Before this I wasn't able to do any squats after a couple of weeks of karate I was able to do heavy weight. I would suggest doing it 3 times a week at least. Hope this helps! | ||
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Pro Bodybuilder
Posts: 542 |
I haven't trained in Karate in a year or two, but when I do it always hurts my knees. I must say that it could be from lots of aerial kicks and flips. When you weigh a lot and jump a lot barefoot...it is hard on your knees. It is also hard competing every weekend on wood and concrete floors. B True |
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posted December 29, 2000 12:09 PM